Kennel Cough

by Sharon Hopkins


Kennel cough is an infection that attacks the trachea lining in dogs causing them to cough incessantly. The irritation is caused by an airborne bacteria or virus which infects and inflames the throat and makes the dog cough every few minutes of the day. As the name suggests this infection is usually picked up by the dogs when they come into contact with numerous other dogs at dog shows or at kennels where they are put together at close quarters. These are places where the infection spreads very fast. In most cases this infection is not serious and usually subsides of its own in a week or two. Symptoms of kennel cough are very simple and noticeable, especially after a week or two of your dog being at a kennel with other dogs and have caught the infectious virus. Your dog may start sneezing and coughing each time after any kind of physical activity and trying to cough up mucus in a way of trying to clear his throat. This coughing may also be accompanied by a low grade fever and a little discharge from the nose. Sometimes the vigorous coughing may also make your dog vomit its food. Usually kennel cough is not serious but if your dog tends to cough up mucus you should check the color of the mucus.

Normally it is white in color that is a symptom of the usual kennel cough but mucus that is green in color could be a serious issue and its best to take your pet to the local vet. Mild cases of kennel cough can be treated as a common cold for dogs which runs its course. If you take your pet to the vet he will give your dog some antibiotics or vaccinations that would cure kennel cough. Apart from that there are some home remedies for kennel cough which would help to treat kennel cough. You could increase your dog’s immunity by getting vitamin supplement or natural antioxidants that are prescribed for pets and mix it along with his food. You could also mix a few drops of honey to its drinking water. You could add a few drops of food grade hydrogen peroxide, to a bowl of milk. Your dog may smell the peroxide and refuse to drink it but you could increase the milk in a way that it would overpower the medicinal smell. The best remedy for minor cases of kennel cough is to wait for the infection to run its course.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
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